No Retirement Decision Just Yet For Sergio Martinez

by David P. Greisman

Sergio Martinez’s return to the ring this past Saturday against Miguel Cotto had followed hand and knee injuries suffered in wins over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2012 and Martin Murray in 2013. He was battered badly in the first round against Cotto, suffering three knockdowns. He was shut out on the scorecards. His corner stopped the fight after the 9th round and as the 10th was about to get underway.

He is 39 years old and is no longer the lineal middleweight champion. Does all of this indicate that it’s time for Martinez to hang up the gloves?

It’s a fair question to ask, but Martinez’s trainer says it’s far too early to answer.

“We’re not going to make a decision right now,” Pablo Sarmiento said at the post-fight press conference. “Sergio is a very smart fighter. We’re going to make the decision together. And we’re going to make the best decision for him. But not right now.”